As summer heats up in New York City, one common drug taken by 34 million Americans leaves the author feeling embarrassed about its side effect. The culprit? Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and depression.
The medication works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, this increase in serotonin can also disrupt the body’s natural temperature regulation system, leading to excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, around 21 percent (6.7 million people) of those taking antidepressants experience this side effect. Dr. Angela Downey, a family physician and host of the Codependent Doctor Podcast, explains that SSRIs impact the hypothalamus, the body’s thermostat, by “turning up the volume” on the internal temperature gauge.
This can lead to unexpected sweating, especially at night or in warm weather. Dr. Olalekan Otulana, a general practitioner and addiction medicine specialist in the UK, notes that SNRIs (another type of antidepressant) can also stimulate the body’s temperature regulation center, causing an overcorrection that results in excessive sweating.
While this side effect may seem minor compared to other benefits of antidepressants, it can still be distressing for those who experience it. Dr. Darji, a board-certified family medicine physician, emphasizes the importance of speaking with a doctor about this issue, as they can adjust doses, switch medications, or add another medication to help manage sweating.
For millions of people, taking an antidepressant like Zoloft may be worth the risk of excessive sweating during the summer months. By understanding how these medications work and being open with their healthcare providers, individuals can find relief from anxiety and depression while minimizing uncomfortable side effects.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14890581/common-drug-taken-34million-Americans-left-suffering-embarrassing-effect.html